Russia Fully Blocks WhatsApp (reuters.com)
(Friday February 13, 2026 @04:00AM (msmash)
from the tussle-continues dept.)
- Reference: 0180785176
- News link: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/02/13/067244/russia-fully-blocks-whatsapp
- Source link: https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-blocks-metas-whatsapp-messaging-service-ft-reports-2026-02-12/
An anonymous reader shares a report:
> U.S. messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has been [1]completely blocked in Russia for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed "national messenger" instead. "Due to Meta's unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed taken and implemented," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, proposing that Russians switch to MAX, Russia's state-owned messenger.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-blocks-metas-whatsapp-messaging-service-ft-reports-2026-02-12/
> U.S. messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has been [1]completely blocked in Russia for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed "national messenger" instead. "Due to Meta's unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed taken and implemented," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, proposing that Russians switch to MAX, Russia's state-owned messenger.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-blocks-metas-whatsapp-messaging-service-ft-reports-2026-02-12/
I wish the EU would do the same (Score:2)
by roskakori ( 447739 )
And recommend that people switch to Signal.
Re: (Score:1)
by CalgaryD ( 9235067 )
Signal was the first to go. It has been blocked for a while already.
Meta could also be blocked in Europe (Score:1)
by Elektroschock ( 659467 )
Out of Greenlad solidarity we should do the same in Europe. US Tech is a danger to the liberties in our societies. It is a small measure we could take against the Trump regime and hiis backers.
Re: Meta could also be blocked in Europe (Score:1)
by pele ( 151312 )
No no it's only the chinese who are bad. Meta is fine, openai is fine, apple is fine, microsoft is fine, look they are even listed on the stock market.
Re: (Score:2)
by chefren ( 17219 )
I assume he really means Big Tech.
VPN (Score:2)
by Quantum gravity ( 2576857 )
I assume secure VPN servers, with IP masking and chat support, are still available though. VPNs should be a necessity in Russia, right?
This is your time to shine ... (Score:2)
by eneville ( 745111 )
PGP your message as you never know when the device/server will be compromised
Which platforms now? (Score:1)
What app should I download now to be eKaterina-fished by hot Saint Petersburg babes?
Re:Which platforms now? (Score:5, Funny)
The government-sponsored Maks chat engine, which is linked to the State Services portal.
It is very neat, as you can not only find the St. Peterburg's babes videos, but also see your kid's grades from school in it, submit a report on your neighbors' enemy activities, apply for a stormtrooper slot in the Special Military Operation and even send your farewell video to your widow up to the very moment that drone kills you.
It is a great service, the greatest service that was ever designed.
Re: Which platforms now? (Score:3)
Grinder